Music Director and Conductor

The Music Director and Conductor provides the artistic and musical leadership of the ASO in fulfillment of the organization’s mission to produce concerts of artistic excellence that are culturally and educationally meaningful and that actively engage the community.

• Serves as the artistic leader and public face of the orchestra.
• Is responsible for the repertoire, programming, and artistic production of all ASO performances.
• Shapes the orchestra’s artistic vision and maintains high performance standards.
• Cultivates strong relationships with musicians, audiences, donors, and community partners.
• Reports to the Board of Directors through the President and works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Personnel Manager, Librarian, and Programming Committee to advance artistic and institutional goals of the orchestra.

• The successful candidate will demonstrate artistic excellence, collaborative leadership, and a strong commitment to community engagement.
• Artistic Leadership & Musicianship
  • Demonstrates exemplary musicianship through mastery of conducting technique, score study, and musical interpretation.
  • Shapes orchestral sound, balance, phrasing, and ensemble with clarity and intention.
  • Leads from the podium with authority and collegiality, earning the trust and respect of professional musicians.
• Artistic Collaboration
  • Cultivates a collaborative rehearsal environment that challenges and motivates musicians.
  • Encourages artistic growth and thoughtful risk‑taking while maintaining high performance standards.
• Articulates a clear artistic vision aligned with the orchestra’s size, resources, and mission.

• In collaboration with the Programming Committee, designs imaginative programs that honor audience expectations.
• Balances core repertoire with discovery, living composers, and underrepresented voices.
• Communicates effectively as an advocate for orchestral music.
• Builds authentic connections with audiences on and off the stage.

• Makes a consistent in‑person presence in Altoona, Pennsylvania, during concert weeks for the organization’s seven regular‑season concerts.
• Provides artistic leadership for rehearsals and performances and engages with community groups, schools, local media, donors, patrons, and key stakeholders.
• Collaborates productively with the orchestra’s board, staff, and volunteers.
• Leads with professionalism, integrity, reliability, and clear communication.

• Supports the orchestra’s long‑term sustainability.
• Engages with donors, sponsors, and community leaders effectively.
• Represents the ASO as a persuasive artistic ambassador.

• Geographic Residence:
  Candidates must reside within a 300‑mile driving distance of Altoona, PA. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
• Education and Professional Background:
  • Master’s degree in conducting required.
  • PhD, DMA, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
  • A minimum of three to five years of experience as a music director or assistant/associate conductor of an orchestra similar to or larger than the ASO.

• Finalists will be invited to work directly with the orchestra to demonstrate their artistic leadership.
• Each finalist will:
  • Program the concert repertoire and conduct the Altoona Symphony Orchestra for one performance during the 2026–2027 season, exercising independent artistic judgment in consultation with the search committee and coordinating with guest soloists or artists as needed.
  • Present a proposed first‑season plan for the orchestra, including programming vision and approach to audience engagement.
  • Allow for musician feedback and observation of each finalist’s rehearsal and performance approach, which will be an important component of the final selection process.